IELTS Writing
Task 2: advantages and disadvantages
These questions ask you to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of something, or whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The second version needs your judgement, stated clearly.
Give one paragraph to advantages and one to disadvantages, each with two well-developed points rather than a long list.
A four-paragraph plan
- Introduction: paraphrase the question and state your answer or position clearly.
- Body paragraph 1: one main idea, explained, with a specific example.
- Body paragraph 2: a second main idea (or the other side), explained and supported.
- Conclusion: restate your position in new words; no new ideas.
More practice: IELTS Writing Task 2 questions by topic →
How to answer
Recognising Advantage Questions
- Look for wording that asks about advantages, disadvantages, benefits, drawbacks, or whether one side outweighs the other.
- A prompt asking for advantages and disadvantages requires you to cover both sides, usually in separate body paragraphs.
- If the prompt asks whether advantages outweigh disadvantages, explain both sides and make your judgement clear.
- Do not classify by topic words alone: a prompt mentioning advantages but asking whether you agree is an opinion question.
Example: Task Two prompt. Prompt: More employees are working from home. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development? This is an advantages-and-disadvantages question. Explain benefits and drawbacks, supporting each with examples. The prompt does not ask you to decide which side is stronger.
Explaining Supporting Ideas
- After stating a supporting idea, explain why it matters to the exact claim in the essay question.
- Ask “So what?” Your next sentence should show the significance of the idea, not repeat it in different words.
- Make the connection clear with wording such as “This matters because…” or “This supports the view that…”.
- Keep the explanation focused on your position; do not introduce a separate supporting point.
Example: Essay question: Some people believe university should be free for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?. I agree that tuition should be publicly funded. Without fees, a student's access to university would depend less on family income. This matters because the question is whether everyone should have a fair chance to enter higher education. Removing the fee barrier therefore makes access more equitable.
Using Relevant Examples
- Choose an example that shows the supporting claim in a recognisable situation.
- Keep it brief: one person, setting or action is usually enough.
- Use a plausible illustration; you do not need to invent a statistic or claim it is typical.
- Leave out details that do not help the reader see the claim.
Example: Essay question: Are public libraries still necessary when information is available online?. Libraries can provide a useful place to study. For example, a student whose home is noisy can use a library’s quiet study area to prepare for an exam.
Practise
Short items from the ielts.coach lessons. Answer them, then check to see why each answer is right.
1Which prompt explicitly asks you to discuss advantages and disadvantages?
2Which is an opinion question, not an advantages-and-disadvantages question?
3Essay question: “Some people think libraries are unnecessary because information is available online. To what extent do you agree?” Read the paragraph: “Libraries remain necessary because they provide a shared place for study. Their value is not limited to storing information; they also give people a reliable setting in which to use it. This challenges the claim that online information alone makes libraries unnecessary.” Which sentence best explains how the supporting idea answers the question?
4Essay question: “Should employers allow flexible working hours?” Supporting idea: Flexible hours can help workers manage responsibilities outside work. Which sentence best explains how this supports allowing flexible hours?
5Complete the sentence: “A useful explanation makes the link between a supporting idea and the essay ____ clear.”
6Claim: Basic cooking lessons can help teenagers become more independent. Which example illustrates this claim most directly?
7Claim: Flexible work hours can make it easier for employees to manage family responsibilities. Which example is the best fit?
Test hacks
Task 1 needs an overview
Write a sentence that sums up the main trends or the biggest differences, without numbers. Many writers skip it.
Why it works: An overview is essential for a high Task Achievement score.
Answer every part of Task 2
Underline each question in the prompt. A two-part question needs two clear answers.
Why it works: Missing part of the task limits your Task Response score, however good your English is.
Give Task 2 more time
Spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 (150+ words) and 40 minutes on Task 2 (250+ words).
Why it works: Task 2 counts for twice as much as Task 1 in your Writing score.
Practise with feedback on every answer
ielts.coach builds daily lessons and practice around your interests and level, marks Writing and Speaking like an examiner in seconds, and plans your weeks to test day.